Giant katydid

[reptilesalonica]

I went to catch grasshoppers for my reptiles and I found a giant katydid.
My question is: Do you know this species? Is it a mutant?
And for those that will think that is photo edited look at the shadows of the legs, beer top etc.
Look at the following photos:
http://hometown.aol.com/rtsphotos/images/giant-katydid-01.jpg
http://hometown.aol.com/rtsphotos/images/giant-katydid-02.jpg
http://hometown.aol.com/rtsphotos/images/giant-katydid-03.jpg
http://hometown.aol.com/rtsphotos/images/giant-katydid-04.jpg
http://hometown.aol.com/rtsphotos/images/giant-katydid-05.jpg

~Greg~

[thunder]

not a mutant, i've seen them that size also. just a really big long horned grass hopper.

[meow_mix450]

you gonna keep it as a pet?:p

Meow

[Linds]

Wow that's one huge bug! and awesome pics of it to boot! :D

[CHRISANDBOIDS14]

Holy crud! Nice pics! Are you thinking of keeping it?

C.

[Jungle Jen]

WOW that thing is awesome!

[reptilesalonica]

Yeap! I am thinking of keeping it as a pet:p
Any idea of what they eat? I gave lettuce for now.
~Greg~

[Jeff_Favelle]

Holy smokes! That's crazy!

Feed it more than lettuce though. Lettuce is just water. I think that thing would like wild grasses, hay, and maybe things like carrots or kale. Or maybe a small mouse, LOL!!!

[reptilesalonica]

LOL! I have plenty of small mice but I don't think it's what likes to eat :D

[Tim and Julie B]

Hey Greg! Good to see you on ssnakess again. That is one big *** grasshopper. :D I'd keep it for sure. TB

[reptilesalonica]

Hello Tim! Nice to see you around too. It is huge indeed.
But...I believe it is a katydid(called bush crickets in europe).

~Greg~

[the_frog_man]

:jawdrop:

[reptile boi]

holy smokes! Are those 2 underdeveloped wings i see? If so, i think its gonna get bigger!







Thanks,
Ben

[dank7oo]

That is so cool.

Jason

[CarlC]

Since it is a female you might want to provide it with a damp substrate. You might have the chance of getting ova.

You might even want to try offering it live food. Many species of Katydid are meat eatters or will use others insects to suppliment their protien needs..

Nice specimen!

Carl